World Bank gives nomination deadline for selection of new President

The World Bank Group is calling for nominations for the position of President.

It says nominations for the position should be submitted by close of business Friday, March 23, 2012.

Candidates must be nationals of the Bank’s member countries, it says.

This call for nominations follows the announcement of the current President, Robert B. Zoellick, that he would not seek reappointment at the end of his term which expires on June 30, 2012.

According to the Bank’s Executive Directors, candidates should meet the following criteria:
·         a proven track record of leadership;
·         experience of managing large organizations with international exposure, and a familiarity with the public sector;
·         the ability to articulate a clear vision of the World Bank Group’s development mission;
·         a firm commitment to and appreciation for multilateral cooperation; and,
·         effective and diplomatic communication skills, impartiality and objectivity in the performance of the responsibilities of the position.

Following the close of the nomination process, a statement from the Bank February 17, 2012 said the Executive Directors will decide on a shortlist of up to three candidates, and publish the names of the shortlisted candidates with their consent.

Formal interviews by the Executive Directors will be conducted for all shortlisted candidates with the expectation of selecting the new President by consensus by the Spring Meetings of 2012, the statement indicated.

The Executive Directors expressed their deep appreciation to President Zoellick for his leadership of the World Bank Group and its very significant accomplishments during his tenure.

By Ekow Quandzie